John Adams Hodge

A deeply experienced trial attorney who has long fought for clients in court and beyond, Ashley Pennington is committed to protecting the rights of others and determined to see systemic reform. A long-time criminal defense attorney, his practice now focuses on civil rights law, such as federal Section 1983 Civil Rights lawsuits and South Carolina Tort Claims that allow victims of government wrongdoing to recover damages. These actions include personal injury lawsuits and cases involving exces...

Steve Matthews is a shareholder in Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's Columbia office. Steve is experienced in transactional negotiation and documentation, as well as trial and appellate advocacy, involving intellectual property, constitutional law, utilities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, privacy and data security, governmental structures and powers, administrative procedures, corporate governance, securities regulation, trade regulation and advertising, corporate and government finance, healt...

A certified specialist in employment and labor law since 1993, M. Malissa Burnette has an extensive history of working toward workplace and social justice. She also has a wealth of experience in family law, personal injury, sexual harassment and discrimination law as well. She practices in state and federal courts, primarily representing individuals in complex employment cases involving discrimination, civil and constitutional rights, breach of contract, covenants to not compete, employment-r...

William (Bill) Duda is certified as a specialist in Employment and Labor Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court and was included on the 2013 Best Lawyer list in both Employment Management and Litigation categories. Since 2000, Bill has been helping employers understand and comply with a broad range of employment laws, including Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the FMLA, the FLSA, trade secret law, restrictive covenants and workers’ compensation. He regularly represents management in emplo...

Sheila Willis is committed to finding practical, real world solutions to her clients’ employment law needs. She represents companies—large and small—as they navigate employment issues related to hiring, discipline, investigations, employment discrimination, unemployment, and other related issues. Sheila provides guidance to higher education institutions on Title IX Compliance and investigations She has extensive experience providing compliance advice to federal contractors o...

Jessica W. Laffitte is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Jessica W., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jessica W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gibbs Leaphart is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Gibbs, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gibbs is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Wade attended Vanderbilt University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1990. After graduation, Wade worked in Washington, DC for the United States House of Representatives, House Rules Committee from 1990-91. Wade returned to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law where he received his law degree in 1994. After admission to the Bar, Wade practiced with a large regional firm until 1999 whe...

Brad Hewett focuses 100% of his practice to civil litigation. Brad’s primary practice involves representing clients all throughout the State of South Carolina in cases for insurance bad faith, wrongful death, personal injury, automobile accidents, construction defects, premises liability, nursing home negligence, and product liability claims. Brad also defends builders and other professionals before the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation. Brad has tried numerous...

Monty practices in the areas of healthcare malpractice, commercial litigation, products and premises liability, and professional liability. He has tried over 75 cases to verdict in both state and federal courts, is a certified Circuit Court Mediator, and has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Monty is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. ADMISSIONS South Carolina Bar U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fo...